Tuesday, May 20, 2008

You Are NOT What You Eat

Intermediary metabolism is another difficult term that helps us understand how low-carbing works. Let's break it down:

inter - between

mediary - acting

meta -change/transform

bolism - placing

The idea is that we have a process acting between one thing and another, transforming or changing the thing from one form to another form.

Intermediary metabolism describes the hundreds of biochemical reactions that take place in our bodies every second. Through intermediary metabolism, the food we eat is transformed into energy. Through intermediary metabolism, our food is also transformed into new molecules that are then used to make up cellular organelles, cells, and tissues. Although all of the biochemical reactions are now understood in great detail, we can think of intermediary metabolism as the black box that takes the nutrients we eat and transforms them into the structures of our bodies and the energy we need to run them.

For those who would like a simplified overview of the process of intermediary metabolism, here is an illustration found in the Elmhurst College Virtual Chembook by Charles E. Ophardt.

People like to say, "You are what you eat." That sounds right, doesn't it? But if it were true, the prototypical policeman would resemble a Krispy Creme. The vegetarian would look like a stalk of broccoli. Why don't they? Because of intermediary metabolism. Within certain limits, our bodies are able to take in what we eat, break it down into pieces of molecules, and build it back up into the molecules we need to build and to run our bodies. In other words, intermediary metabolism is what makes us what we are in the physical sense.

Because of intermediary metabolism, the fat we eat does not have to become fat in our bodies. It can be burned as fuel. Because of intermediary metabolism, the cholesterol we eat does not have to become cholesterol deposits. It can be incorporated into cell walls to make them less rigid. Because of intermediary metabolism, the carbohydrates we eat can easily be transformed into energy or, if conditions are right, turned into fat, stored, and locked into storage.

About Me

For those who are curious, I hold a PhD in Medical Biochemistry. My dissertation dealt with one of the mechanisms of insulin receptor signaling; however I have not actively done science for two decades. Nonetheless, my biochemistry training showed me that the low-carb lifestyle is a valid one, and I have low-carbed successfully for more than fourteen years.
But that's enough about me. This blog is about you. Low-carb works both for weight loss and for good health. It doesn't matter if you're male or female, young or old, short or tall, rich or poor, morbidly obese or maintaining a normal weight. The purpose of this blog is to focus on you, to discuss the science behind the low-carb way of life, and to help you understand how it can work for you in your journey to good health!

Just a Suggestion...

If you'e new to this blog, you'll find a lot of information here.

Science is best absorbed in small bites. (Otherwise your eyes will glaze over and you'll fall into a coma!) You might want to bookmark this site and come back occasionally for a study break or a work break. Pick an article that looks interesting, read it, think about it, and come back later for more!